Winter weather: More potholes on roads

Driving on mid-Missouri roads you might be noticing more potholes this time of year.

Columbia Public Works say anytime you have bad weather, in the winter or summer, it causes more potholes and damage to road surfaces.

Public Works says it takes very dry and warm conditions before the department is able to get out on the streets to fill the missing asphalt.

Richard Stone, engineering manager at Columbia Public Works told ABC 17 News preventative maintenance is key in the winter.

“Our folks are out constantly monitoring ever-changing road conditions,” he said, “We are doing preventative maintenance as we speak.”

During the wintertime a majority of the maintenance for potholes is temporary due to the weather conditions. Once the weather warms up in the springtime, a lot of permanent work can be done.

Stone says sometimes the cost to repair the roads can be a concern.

“We’re under funding maintenance but we have been able to focus on getting enough roads in good shape over the last three to four years,” Stone said. ” Long term we want to make sure we have funding so we are able to keep the roads in good shape.”

Like anything, if there aren’t enough funds to keep roads maintained properly continuous problems have more of a chance of appearing.

If you do come across a pothole, it’s best to not swerve into another lane, as that can cause major issues as well.

Public works is encouraging you to call the city if you see a pothole in your area. They say they try to fix the concern within one to two days.